Page 1 of The Santa Surprise

Chapter One

Alex

I let myself into my house, grocery bags in hand and find my brother, Tyler, lying on my couch—the same spot he was in before I left to run errands, three fucking hours ago. He’s on leave from the Marine Corps for two weeks and will actually be home for Christmas and our mom is being a little nutty.

She means well, but she gets overly excited and emotional when all her kids are home. We’ve had family dinners every night, there’s been talk of a family photo, and family tree decorating.

We’ll grumble and complain, but we’ll do it because we love her. Tyler is here just for a little break before she overdoses us on Christmas. I kick the couch, “You gonna get off the couch sometime today?”

He turns to look up at me, flipping me off. “Yeah, yeah, yeah. I’m on leave, give me a break.” My Great Dane, Tiny, named after the dog I had growing up. He had belonged to my dad when we met, and he and I bonded immediately.

When he died, I was heartbroken. I swore I was never going to have another dog, but I was at a community event and the local animal shelter had dogs there and Tiny got loose and came over to me. I was immediately in love. He’s three and is the laziest dog I’ve ever met. He’d nap all day if he could.

Right now, he’s lying on the floor in front of the couch and Tyler is scratching his head. He looks up at me and I point at him, “lazy ass.”

He sighs and then looks back at Tyler, resting his head on the cushion. “Your dog loves me best.”

“Whatever, he just loves whoever is available to cuddle. Mom’s summoned us for dinner tonight.” I tell him as I walk into the kitchen to put the groceries away.

Tyler follows me and leans against the counter. “Yeah, Dad called me. I’m gonna drive myself though, I have plans tonight.” He wiggles his eyebrows.

We spend the rest of the afternoon watching football, and I’m thankful to have my brother home.

***

I hear the sliding door and my dad comes out with a beer for me. He twists the cap off and hands it to me. Dad’s never really been much of a drinker, I can count on both hands the number of times I’ve seen him drink. His dad was a bad drunk who used to hit him and Grandma when he was hammered.

“Thanks.” I tell him before taking a pull from the bottle. “Thanks to all the home cooking I expect to put on about ten pounds.”

“Don’t I know it. I already told your uncle Jonah that we were going to have to bump up our workouts,” he says with a laugh, but it’s complete bullshit the guy is in better shape than guys half his age.

Hell, he gives my brothers and me a run for our money when we’re in the gym together.

“I wanted to talk to you about something.” Dad’s voice all serious. I turn to look at him. “We have a detective position opening after the first of the year. I want to recommend you. You’d have to take the detective’s exam, but I know you’ll pass it with no problem.”

I always knew I wanted to be a police officer like my dad. After high school I went to college to get my degree in criminal justice. Once I graduated, I started working at the Aldridge Police Department. I was determined to prove that I didn’t get the job just because of who my dad was to the department.

“Really? You think I’m ready for that?” This is the first I’m hearing about this.

He nods. “Of course, I’m sure. I wouldn’t have told you if I wasn’t. I think you’d be fantastic.”

“Okay, sign me up. I want to take the test.” I drain the rest of my beer and smile. “I appreciate your confidence in me.”

The sliding door opens, and my baby sister, Mara, pokes her head out. “Dessert and coffee are ready.” She smiles before disappearing back inside.

“See, Mom’s trying to make us all fat.” I smile at Dad before we stand up and head inside. On the kitchen island is my favorite, Mom’s homemade pecan pie. I love it so much she makes it for my birthday instead of a cake. Next to it is a chocolate crème pie.

Mom comes toward me, her blue eyes identical to mine sparkle with mischief. “The day before Christmas Eve, family picture.” She does this little hop/clap combo.

Dad, Tyler, my younger brother Cameron, and me all groan in unison.

Mara stands next to Mom, cracking up. “Can I tell them the best part?” Mom’s mini-me doesn’t even try to hide the immense joy she feels when our mom nods. “The theme of the photo is . . . ugly sweater.”

“Oh hell no.” Cameron and Tyler both grumble. Dad and me just groan . . . again other than that we don’t argue because Mom always gets her way.

I grab a slice of pie and a cup of coffee, carrying it into the living room where Tiny is sleeping on the dog bed my parents have for him when we come over. I take a huge bite of my pie, failing at hiding the moan that slips past my lips.

“Bro, you need to get laid if you’re moaning like that over pie,” Tyler says, chuckling as he sits on the opposite side of the couch from me.

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